Bethlehem

'A beacon of tolerance': Holy Fire ceremony marked in Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem's Municipality had worked with the Tourism and Interior Ministries to prepare for the event, with Mayor Moshe Lion extending his blessing to the Jerusalem Christian community.

Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday on April 11, 2026.
MARJORIE TAYLOR Greene meets with Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati, February 15, 2026.

Marjorie Taylor Greene meets with Bethlehem mayor, decries alleged 'Christian prosecution'

PALESTINIAN YOUTH soccer players play in a field next to the barrier separating Aida refugee camp from Jerusalem near Bethlehem in the West Bank.

Bethlehem soccer pitch becomes unlikely flashpoint in global soccer politics

Armed Israeli soldiers, settlers, Palestinians, and reporters watch smoke rise during West Bank clashes in November 2025.

Israel using armed militias to ethnically cleanse the West Bank - opinion


EU angered as Israel razes Palestinian school built with European funds

COGAT said in a statement that the building had been constructed illegally and 'was found to be dangerous to the safety of anyone studying or otherwise visiting there.'

 Israeli troops take position during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops after Israeli machinery demolish a school near Bethlehem in the West Bank May 7, 2023

Jerusalem, city of hotels: The capital's hospitality industry, pitfalls

Jerusalem is the city with the largest number of hotel rooms in Israel. Every year, hundreds of new hotels open here. By 2027, approximately 3,500 new rooms are expected to be added

 WEST JERUSALEM’S hotels lean toward the higher end: David Citadel Hotel, near the Mamilla Mall.

Gaza Christians say Israel travel bans separate families at Christmas

This year, Israeli authorities have approved travel for nearly 600 Palestinian Christians in Gaza, according to COGAT.

 A Palestinian dressed as Santa gestures during a celebration in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, December 2, 2021. Picture taken December 2, 2021.

Jerusalem Santa sends Christmas greetings from hot air balloon over city

Jerusalem's local Santa Claus, Issa Kassissieh, does this annually at places across Israel.

Jerusalem Santa Claus Issa Kassissieh flies above Jerusalem in a hot air balloon ahead of Christmas.

Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem fight PA over Christmas festivities

Christian residents of Bethlehem have accused the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah of attempting to “hijack” their holidays and marginalize the city’s role.

 A Palestinian dressed as Santa gestures during a celebration in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, December 2, 2021. Picture taken December 2, 2021.

Christian leaders condemn attack on church near Bethlehem

Archbishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the assault, dubbing it an “unprecedented phenomenon.”

Shepherds Fields Beit Sahour

Bethlehem gunmen attack hotel for displaying Star of David, menorah

The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced it has closed the meeting hall and launched an investigation.

Elias al-Arja, an owner of the Bethlehem Hotel, said he does not expect business to significantly return to the city until next Christmas season.

Why did US President Joe Biden visit Bethlehem in Israel?

US President Joe Biden’s visit to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, took place in between his meetings with Abbas and MBS – with little fanfare.

 US President Joe Biden visits the Church of Nativity, in Bethlehem, in the West Bank July 15, 2022.

Bethlehem's Palestinians expect nothing from Biden, say it's humiliating

In Bethlehem, two shopkeepers, a member of the Palestinian National Security Forces, a local Fatah activist and a cab driver express a range of hope, cynicism and disappointment in Biden's visit.

A Palestinian at Manger Square, Bethlehem on July 13, 2022

Palestinian man steals M-16 from Israeli security, turns himself in to PA

21 Palestinian terror suspects arrested overnight

 Israeli security forces conducting an arrest raid in the West Bank, June 8, 2022.